Brighton is about to get a serious injection of Kiwi energy.
As the official focus country at The Great Escape Festival 2026, New Zealand will take over Patterns on Thursday 14 May with a stacked lineup of artists pushing the boundaries of indie, alt-pop, post-punk, hip-hop and psychedelic music.
Presented by the New Zealand Music Commission and Live Nation New Zealand, the special showcase runs from midday until 4pm across both floors of the venue and promises one of the festival’s must-see daytime events.
Among the names generating major buzz is WHO SHOT SCOTT, whose explosive mix of punk, hip-hop and electronic chaos has earned international acclaim and over 300,000 monthly Spotify listeners. Indie fans will also want to catch Office Dog, the Flying Nun favourites praised by Pitchfork for their emotionally charged guitar sound.
Elsewhere, Vera Ellen brings her sharp songwriting and alternative pop edge fresh off international touring, while Murokidelivers the laidback surf-pop grooves that have seen him championed by Elton John and BENEE.
Fans of leftfield sounds can expect immersive performances from LEAO and ratbag, while Ringlets are set to bring their wildly inventive post-punk chaos to Brighton audiences.
With New Zealand’s music scene enjoying a huge global moment, this showcase looks set to be one of the defining highlights of The Great Escape 2026.
